4. SEMEN AND ITS COMPONENTS

Question 1

what are the conc of sperm in the ejaculate of stallions, boars, bulls, rams/bucks. (no/ml)

Answer 1

stallion= 500 million
boar= 200 million
bulls= 1.2 billion
rams/bucks= 2 billion

Question 2

During seperation where does a sperm seperate?

Answer 2

proximal centriole

Question 3

Bulls semen is higher in _____ and _____ from the vesicular gland.

Answer 3

• fructose

- sorbitol

Question 4

What is the expected range of abnormal morphology in sperm?

Answer 4

8 to 10 %, And if it is more than 25% there will be reduced fertility

Question 5

Where does seminal plasma come from?

Answer 5

accessory glands contribute most, but small portions come from the epididymus and vasa differentia

Question 6

What is the function of seminal plasma?

Answer 6

serves as a buffered, nutrient medium which suspends and maintain fertility of spermatozoa

Question 7

What proteins are present in seminal plasma and what are their functions?

Answer 7

GAG= glycosaminoglycan binding proteins are important during fertilization. The source of this protein are the vesicular glands

Question 8

What are the principle inorganic ions in the seminal plasma?

Answer 8

sodium and chlorine, but calcium and magnesium are also found in small quantities.

Question 9

Why are inorganic ions important in semen?

Answer 9

For sperm viability and they maintain osmotic pressure that is optimal for sperm survival.

Question 10

What acts as a buffering agent in the SP

Answer 10

organic ions, principle one is bicarbonate which is produced by vesicular glands.

Question 11

What are the principle energy substrates in the SP?

Answer 11

• fructose
• sorbitol
• GPC (glycerlphosphorylcholine)

first 2 are produced by vesicular glands and GPC by the epididymis

Question 12

which energy substrates are utilized aerobically?

Answer 12

Sorbitol and GPC

Question 13

Name the factors that affect the rate of metabolism

Answer 13

• temp
• ph
  osmotic pressure
• conc.
• hormones
• gasses
• light
• antibacterial agents

Question 14

how will temp affect Metabolic rate

Answer 14

• higher temps will increase MR but decrease lifespan
• Temp above 50 C will cause irreversible motility loss
• at body temp sperm will only survive a few hours (nutrient depletion + and lactic acid build-up)
• cooling sperm (slowly) will extend life and slow MR

Question 15

how does pH affect MR of sperm

Answer 15

• optimal pH = 7 (6,8-7,5)
• high MR at neutral
• decrease in MR when out of neutral range

Question 16

how does Osmotic pressure affect MR of sperm

Answer 16

• isotonic = optimal for MR

- hypotonic and hypertonic solution = decreased MR

Question 17

how does concentration affect MR of sperm

Answer 17

• increased sperm count will increase MR
• sperms main cation is K (natural metabolic inhibitor)while seminal fluids main cation is Na
• thus increasing conc. will increase K: Na ratio

Question 18

how do hormones affect MR of sperm

Answer 18

• testosterone + androgens = decreased MR

- fluids in the female tract = increased MR (effect of estrogen)

Question 19

how do gasses affect MR of sperm

Answer 19

• Low CO2= aerobic metabolism
• Partial pressure> 5-10%= MR decrease
• CO2 regulates pressure in the epididymis
• too high [O2] is toxic
• O2 allows aerobic metabolism

Question 20

how does light affect MR of sperm

Answer 20

• light intensity will depress MR
• harmful effects might occur when in contact with the atmosphere(O2 toxicity)
• enzyme catalase will prevent harmful effects of light

Question 21

list the 3 antibacterial agents added to sperm and their effects

Answer 21

gentmycin
tylosin
linco-spectin

• shows no effect on MR
• might increase fertility
• extend fertile life of semen by decreasing the effects of bacteria (harmful)